SEC Leaders Get Bonuses While Teaching Jobs Cut

In a controversial move, executives at the Scottish Event Campus (SEC), a live entertainment firm owned by Glasgow City Council, have been awarded £140,000 in bonuses despite the city’s plans to cut 450 teaching jobs. The SEC, which oversees popular venues like the Armadillo and the Hydro, has faced declining profits, raising questions about the appropriateness of these financial rewards. The latest financial disclosures reveal that Peter Duthie, the SEC's chief executive who recently retired after 40 years, received a performance bonus of £24,473, contributing to a total pay package of £284,810. This decision has sparked criticism, particularly in light of the significant job losses anticipated in the education sector, which many view as a misallocation of public funds. Colin Hartley, who has served as the director of operations since June 2022, was awarded a £16,400 bonus in addition to his salary of £117,145. Meanwhile, Billy McFadyen, the director of finance and development, received a total compensation of £192,439, which included his own bonus. The SEC's financial decisions have drawn scrutiny from the public and local officials, who argue that prioritizing executive bonuses over essential public services is unjustifiable. As Glasgow grapples with budget constraints and job cuts, the SEC's executive bonuses highlight a growing concern regarding financial management and accountability within publicly owned enterprises.